Monthly Archives: March 2011

The Richmond Daily Dispatch, having weighed the rumors from Washington that Ft. Sumter would be surrendered, reacted with jubilation on March 13, 1861: Reported surrender of Fort Sumter. We are truly delighted to believe that, in order to save the … Continue reading →

The Richmond Daily Dispatch worries that a surprise invasion from the North may catch Virginia unprepared: Will the Legislature leave the State defenseless? In view of the schemes said to be silently concocting at Washington for the subjugation of the … Continue reading →

The Confederate Constitution was adopted on March 11, 1861. I would do an analysis of the differences between it and the US Constitution, but I can’t hope to match the analysis that Stephanie McCurry provided. This is also a good … Continue reading →

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch: Servants for Hire. For Hire. –Three young, able-bodied Men. who have been accustomed to doing Farm work and Labor generally. They will be hired for the balance of the year, or by the month, week … Continue reading →

Keziah Brevard Keziah Brevard was a widow of about 50, managing plantations outside Columbia, South Carolina. In her diary for Saturday the 9th, she said that “nobody knows the impudence I take here almost weekly — I do hope my … Continue reading →

The Missouri Convention’s Committee on Federal Relations made its report and offered seven resolutions on March 9, 1861. Debate would ensue for eleven days. The report was lengthy, and offered various arguments against secession. It came out strongly in favor … Continue reading →

Fort Sumter (top) and Castle Pinckney From the Richmond Daily Dispatch, a discussion of the clear intent of the South to attack Fort Sumter. It’s interesting to note the trepidation with which such an assault was viewed at the time. … Continue reading →

As we have seen, Jeremiah Morton spoke in favor of secession at the Virginia Convention; Waitman Willey of Morgantown (West) Virginia spoke against it. Next John Carlile, another western Virginian, from a county with only 4% slave population, spoke against … Continue reading →

The Richmond Daily Dispatch published a selection of responses to the inaugural from a wide range of papers. Of course the selection, and the quotes provided, reflect the Dispatch’s editorial bias, but it still makes a pretty good sample of … Continue reading →

Lincoln and his cabinet, 1861 From the New York Times: THE CABINET NOMINATIONS CONFIRMED. The Cabinet appointments, as sent to the Senate, and immediately confirmed to-day, are as follows: Secretary of State — WM. H. SEWARD. Secretary of the Treasury … Continue reading →